Wildlife Promise » Bristol Bayhttp://blog.nwf.org
The National Wildlife Federation's blogTue, 03 Mar 2015 16:19:30 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.2This Pristine and Glorious Wilderness is At Riskhttp://blog.nwf.org/2014/08/this-pristine-and-glorious-wilderness-is-at-risk/
http://blog.nwf.org/2014/08/this-pristine-and-glorious-wilderness-is-at-risk/#commentsTue, 19 Aug 2014 16:42:21 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=99395Read more >]]>Bristol Bay is a magical wonderland, supporting a ridiculous number of fish and wildlife species. Don’t take my word for it, take a look and decide for yourself. Browse the categories below to see what’s really at stake if mining activities are allowed. Is it worth the risk?

Pristine Waters

The Bristol Bay Watershed is comprised of 40,000 square miles of nearly pristine rivers, lakes, streams and tributaries. These waters have been untouched by development for thousands of years. This intricate system of waterways, and its high water quality, make Bristol Bay a unique habitat for fish and wildlife.

Culture

The majority (66%) of people living in the Bristol Bay region are Alaska Natives (Yup’ik-Eskimo, Aleut and Athabaskan). For over 4,000 years, these cultures have relied on subsistence fishing, hunting & gathering for food. Alaska Natives of Bristol Bay now represent one of the last intact, sustainable salmon-based cultures in the world.

Ecosystem

As a keystone species, Bristol Bay’s salmon support a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and waterfowl. Salmon also transport marine-derived nutrients that are vital to the health of the basin. The lack of human disruption & incredible biodiversity have allowed Bristol Bay’s ecosystem to remain fully functional.

Geography

Covering 40,000 square miles, Bristol Bay located in southwest Alaska. The wilderness setting includes tundra and wetlands, and a complex system of waterways leading to the bay. The Renewable Resources Coalition has fantastic maps showing the proposed mining activities in relation to Bristol Bay and major rivers.

Geology

This region in Alaska is also a major porphyry copper deposit — the largest undeveloped deposit of its kind in the world. There’s no doubt that copper plays an essential role in our daily lives, from cell phones to household appliances. However, there are other ways to meet the demand for copper, without endangering Bristol Bay.

It is also important to note that Alaska is one of the most seismically active areas of the world. This increases the chances of structural failure and toxic waste leaking into Bristol Bay’s waters.

Land Mammals

The area is a major route for caribou migration, and home to some 10,000 brown bears. Bristol Bay supports a number of other land mammals including wolves, foxes, porcupines, wolverines, lynx and more.

Marine Mammals

Bristol Bay provides critical habitat for the world’s most endangered whale (fewer than 100 individuals), the North Pacific right whale, in addition to belugas and orcas. The region hosts 1 of only 2 populations of freshwater seals in the world, the Pacific walrus, and a number of other marine mammals.

Is This Where We Want to Experiment?

The copper deposits mentioned above have an estimated value of $200-300 billion. It’s easy to see why mining is attractive. But 10 billion tons of waste material would be produced by the proposed mine in Bristol Bay. That waste would need to be stored in a pit and monitored. Forever.

The Pebble Partnership says their engineering is advanced enough to prevent leaks, and eventual damage to the Bristol Bay ecosystem. But we know that hard rock mining activities pollute adjacent streams, wetlands and groundwater with toxic waste, why would Pebble mine be any different?

A mine the size of Pebble has never been built in North America. This mine is essentially an experiment — do we really want to roll the dice and risk the culture, economy, wildlife and sustainable fisheries of Bristol Bay?

Take Action, Spread the Word, Educate

Local Action

Our Alaska affiliate, the Renewable Resources Coalition, has been working tirelessly for years on this issue. If you’re interested in learning more about the local action and news surrounding this issue, please check out their website.

They’re also working closely with Bristol Bay Forever to educate and encourage people to Vote Bristol Bay on Ballot Measure 4 (going to vote in November).

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2014/08/this-pristine-and-glorious-wilderness-is-at-risk/feed/2A Mine Here? We Can’t Bear Ithttp://blog.nwf.org/2014/08/a-mine-here-we-cant-bear-it/
http://blog.nwf.org/2014/08/a-mine-here-we-cant-bear-it/#commentsFri, 15 Aug 2014 18:16:40 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=99276Read more >]]>Every summer, brown bears gather in the pristine waterways of Alaska’s Bristol Bay to catch wild salmon swimming upstream to spawn. But soon, this vast habitat area that is home to brown bears and the largest runs of salmon in the world could be devastated by a massive open pit copper mine.

The abundant runs of wild salmon in Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed are a mainstay of the brown bear’s diet during the summer. Photo by Deidre Brown/NWF Photo Contest.

What Members of Our Community Have to Say!

“It is good for the health of us all to protect the wildlife and clean water of Bristol Bay, Alaska from the devastation and pollution of toxic mining. The most important way to do this at this time is by stopping the proposed Pebble Mine.” – James, Kentucky

“Brown bears, salmon and other wildlife can’t speak for themselves, so we need to do it for them.” – Lee, New York

“As a former resident of Alaska, I urge you to protect the wildlife and clean water of Bristol Bay, Alaska from the devastation and pollution of toxic mining by stopping the proposed Pebble Mine. The recent Mount Polley disaster in BC shows the consequences this type of toxic mine waste can have on the environment.” – Tom, Arizona

“You have the power to save one of the last untouched watersheds left in North America. A place that has sustained people for thousands of years, and will continue to if it is protected.” – Charles, Michigan

“Despite the fact that I live thousands of miles from Alaska, the quality of the environment there is important to me.” – Chaille, New Hampshire

“Here in Idaho we live with the lasting toxic mining effects in our rivers, lakes, lands, wildlife, fish and yes, even our children all have levels of toxic mining waste in their blood.” – Lauren, Idaho

“LARGEST SALMON RUN IN THE WORLD…….END OF DISCUSSION!” – Beck, Illinois

“Bristol Bay, Alaska is one of the last places free from the many aspects of industrial pollution. The effects of the toxic mining from the proposed Pebble Mine are guaranteed to have powerful and long-lasting negative consequences, in addition to the typically occurring unexpected horrors.” – Rodney, Alaska

“Wildlife and a clean environment are the great gifts we can pass on.” – Shannon, Arizona

“Rather than react after another environmental disaster, please prevent one by stopping the proposed Pebble Mine.” – Jeannette, Virginia

“This is so important to me and hopefully you.” – Susan, Colorado

Take Action for Alaska’s Brown Bears and Wild Salmon

The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with protecting the wildlife and clean water in Bristol Bay and has the authority to restrict, prohibit and deny certain mining operations—but they must hear as many voices as possible in support of stopping the mine and protecting Bristol Bay.

Mining interests are pushing hard to get a green light on the Pebble Mine project. That’s why it is crucial that we all weigh in about the importance of protecting vital habitat for wildlife like the brown bear and salmon from the devastation of a massive mine.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2014/08/a-mine-here-we-cant-bear-it/feed/2You Are Making a Difference for Wild Salmon and Wild Placeshttp://blog.nwf.org/2014/03/you-are-making-a-difference-for-salmon/
http://blog.nwf.org/2014/03/you-are-making-a-difference-for-salmon/#commentsTue, 18 Mar 2014 14:18:23 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=92825Read more >]]>Salmon are amazing creatures. They are born in fresh water, migrate many miles to the ocean where they spend most of their life, and then return to the stream they were born to start the cycle of life over again. When salmon spawn and die, they provide marine derived nutrients to the entire watershed, which benefits insects, fish, mammals, and even the riparian vegetation.

Bristol Bay, Alaska, is home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon run. Michael Melford photo for the Renewable Resources Foundation

Few U.S. species have been over-exploited to the level salmon have. America’s East Coast rivers were once teaming in Atlantic salmon, but now only a few rivers remain with viable Atlantic salmon populations. On the Pacific Coast, many salmon stocks are now primarily of hatchery origin, and a majority of the wild stocks that remain are listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Thankfully, there are still places in the United States where wild salmon remain strong and vibrant. Bristol Bay, Alaska, is home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon run, as well as strong wild runs of king, silver and chum salmon.

These wild runs support sustainable recreational, commercial and Native American fisheries, which provide more than 12,000 sustainable jobs annually. Bristol Bay’s amazing sport fishing attracts anglers from around the globe.

Saving Bristol Bay’s iconic salmon runs

The proposed Pebble Mine, if allowed, would be the world’s largest copper and gold mine, and it would be built in the headwaters of the rivers that flow into Bristol Bay. National Wildlife Federation, working with many other groups and businesses, including NWF’s Alaska affiliate Renewable Resources Coalition, has been in staunch opposition to the Pebble Mine for many years. Over the past four years, hundreds of thousands of folks just like you wrote to the EPA asking them to take action to protect Bristol Bay. In response, the EPA conducted an exhaustive watershed assessment of large-scale mining in the area and concluded there is ample reason to believe Pebble Mine would likely have significant and irreversible negative impacts on the watershed, salmon runs, and fisheries.

Arial view of Bristol Bay by Michael Melford for the Renewable Resources Foundation

When you contact the EPA and other decision makers asking them to protect Bristol Bay from Pebble Mine, you truly are making a difference. So much so that just recently, the EPA went a step further by initiating a Clean Water Act 404(c) process that could mean the end of Pebble Mine.

This process involves a public comment period, and it’s vital that you stay engaged. At the end of the 404(c) process,EPA could prohibit or restrict mining activities to avoid unacceptable adverse effects on fishery areas. This isn’t the end of the fight, but it is a huge step in the right direction. A direction that could mean the end of Pebble Mine and salvation for Bristol Bay’s wild salmon runs and the many animals and humans that depend on those runs for survival.

You’ve done amazing things so far, and as we near the finish line, please continue to speak up in support of Bristol Bay salmon and in opposition to the proposed Pebble Mine.

Come to Alaska this summer and join National Wildlife Federation’s Alaska affiliate, the Renewable Resources Foundation, for Salmonstock—a three-day music and arts festival celebrating Bristol Bay, wild salmon and the people who depend upon them! Held August 2-4 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in the small fishing town of Ninilchik, Salmonstock blends a small-town country fair atmosphere with the amenities of an established music festival, against the backdrop of breathtaking Alaskan scenery. Ninilchik is a gorgeous two-hour drive from Anchorage.

With multiple stages featuring top musicians, arts and crafts from local merchants, artists-in-residence showcased throughout the festival, booths featuring some of Alaska’s best restaurants and an extensive beer garden featuring brews from throughout the state, this is a uniquely Alaskan event not to be missed. More than 5,000 people made their way to Salmonstock in 2012, and this year’s third annual festival is shaping up to be bigger and even better.

Threat to Bristol Bay Salmon in the Spotlight

Wild salmon are key to a healthy Alaskan ecosystem and a healthy Alaskan economy. Both are now threatened by the Pebble Limited Partnership (a joint venture of Northern Dynasty Minerals and Anglo American Mining), which wants to build one of the largest open-pit copper, gold and molybdenum mines in the world on top of the headwaters of Bristol Bay, the planet’s largest remaining wild salmon fishery. Salmonstock seeks to celebrate this renewable resource as well as educate, bringing people from all walks of life together to oppose the devastating threat posed by the proposed mine.

Photo: Tim Steinberg. 2012

An Awareness and Action Center on site will provide festival goers with the knowledge and resources they need to make their own positive impact on wild salmon habitat in Alaska, and help build a strong constituency of activists ready to take a stand against Pebble mine.

For tickets and more information, go to the Salmonstock website or the Salmonstock Facebook page. You can also contact RRF directly at info@salmonstock.org or 907-743-1900. See you in Ninilchik!

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2013/06/music-and-arts-festival-celebrates-wild-salmon-and-bristol-bay/feed/0Pebble Mine Even More Disastrous Than First Thoughthttp://blog.nwf.org/2013/05/pebble-mine-even-more-disastrous-than-first-thought/
http://blog.nwf.org/2013/05/pebble-mine-even-more-disastrous-than-first-thought/#commentsMon, 20 May 2013 14:24:14 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=80608Read more >]]>

Photo: USFWS

After months of cold and ice, Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska is beginning to spring to life. With summer will come millions of bright red sockeye salmon returning from the sea to spawn in the pristine rivers and streams from which they hatched. An abundance of hungry wildlife including enormous coastal grizzly bears, as well as thousands of commercial fishermen and women who depend on these iconic fish for their livelihood, will not be far behind.

But if the proposed Pebble Mine is built, it could have devastating consequences for this wilderness paradise, according to a newly revised watershed assessment on large-scale mining in Bristol Bay by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—which considered 233,000 public comments, consulted with tribes, and received input from independent scientists and peer reviewers. The report finds that even in a best case scenario—with no leaks or failures—the massive mine would destroy up to 90 miles of salmon streams and up to 4,800 acres of wetlands, and produce acidic and toxic-laden waters.

As a result, local grizzlies, wolves, bald eagles, and other wildlife that consume salmon will all be impacted. So will Alaska Natives, who have relied on subsistence fishing for thousands of years. And so will the commercial fishery, which, according to a new report by researchers at the University of Alaska’s Institute for Social and Economic Research, provides 12,000 jobs and about $500 million annually in direct income to workers across the country.

All of this is at risk from Pebble Mine, the colossal gold and copper mine proposed at the headwaters of Bristol Bay that would generate up to 10 billion tons of toxic mine waste stored in massive earthen dams covering over 10 square miles. Even under the best conditions, it would be virtually impossible to keep the toxic waste from leaking into rivers and streams, putting salmon—which are highly sensitive to the slightest increases in certain metals like copper–at great risk.

And if the dams break, it would be absolutely devastating to the river and wildlife downstream. Just last month, a massive landslide at Bingham Canyon mine in Utah—which registered as a 5.1 magnitude earthquake and engulfed tens of millions of dollars in mining equipment and infrastructure—was a preview of the disaster that could occur if Pebble Mine is built. Incredibly, Pebble Mine would be twice the size of Bingham Canyon mine and located in an active earthquake zone.

The EPA’s review provides more than enough information to know that Pebble Mine would pose enormous, irreversible harm to this critically important watershed, and the wildlife and people that depend on it. Yet, despite these risks and the overwhelming opposition to Pebble Mine, foreign mining corporations are charging full steam ahead.

Now is the time for the Obama administration to act. We only have until May 31st to comment on these new findings and urge the EPA to use its power under the Clean Water Act to stop this disastrous project. If we don’t speak up now, Pebble Mine could devastate this wilderness paradise and the rich community of wildlife that calls it home.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2013/05/pebble-mine-even-more-disastrous-than-first-thought/feed/2“Alaska Gold” Examines the Battle to Save Bristol Bayhttp://blog.nwf.org/2012/07/64173/
http://blog.nwf.org/2012/07/64173/#commentsThu, 26 Jul 2012 19:28:10 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=64173Read more >]]>On Tuesday, the PBS program “FRONTLINE” aired a special called Alaska Gold, about the fight to save one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth from the massive Pebble gold and copper mine–planned for the headwaters of Bristol Bay‘s best wild salmon rivers.

If you didn’t get a chance to see this fascinating special, WATCH IT HERE.

Bristol Bay has remained largely untouched by development–providing pristine habitat for the world’s largest sockeye salmon run, as well as healthy populations of grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and waterfowl. In other words, it’s no place for an industrial mine.

Pebble mine would produce up to ten billion tons of toxic waste over its lifetime. Even tiny amounts of toxic waste can poison the salmon in Bristol Bay that grizzlies and other wildlife depend on. Photo: USFWS.

More than 54,000 National Wildlife Federation supporters have sent comments into the Environmental Protection Agency over the past month in response to its recent risk assessment of large-scale mining in Bristol Bay. Learn more about our work to protect grizzlies and many more wildlife from the toxic pollution of hard rock mining.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2012/07/64173/feed/0You Ask, We Answer: Why Pebble Mine is Bad Newshttp://blog.nwf.org/2012/07/you-ask-we-answer-why-pebble-mine-is-a-bad-idea/
http://blog.nwf.org/2012/07/you-ask-we-answer-why-pebble-mine-is-a-bad-idea/#commentsFri, 13 Jul 2012 14:23:32 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=63390Read more >]]>We’ve been getting some really good questions about the proposed Pebble gold and copper mine, which poses unacceptable risks to the wildlife of Bristol Bay, Alaska. Here we do our best to answer them.

Q:What sort of mining process is being proposed? What exactly is the toxic waste?

A: The Pebble gold and copper mine would be both an underground and open pit mine (click here to see amazing images of open pit mines from space)–about two miles wide and several thousand feet deep. Most of the rock removed from the pit will be waste rock, which often contains acid-generating sulfides, arsenic, lead, mercury, and cyanide. Once the minerals are processed and recovered, the remaining rock becomes another form of mining waste called tailings, which also can contain up to three dozen dangerous chemicals.

The Pebble mine will discharge up to 10 billion tons of these toxic tailings that will need to be stored forever behind massive earthen dams. The largest of the dams containing these toxic slurry lakes would be over 700 feet tall and 4 miles long.

Q: What makes Pebble mine so much more dangerous than other mines?

A: The Bristol Bay region in southwest Alaska–the proposed location of Pebble mine–is one of the worst places on earth for a mine (see some spectacular photos of Bristol Bay here). Remaining virtually undeveloped for thousands of years, this wildlife paradise is home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon run, as well ashealthy populations of grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and waterfowl.

Large copper mines are notorious for polluting waters while they are in operation, leaving the area toxic long after they are gone. If Pebble mine is built, toxic wastes will inevitably leak into surface and groundwater, causing serious pollution that threatens salmon and other wildlife. Plus, because Pebble mine would be built in one of the most active earthquake zones on earth, there’s a serious risk of the dams breaking and funneling massive amounts of mining pollution directly into the river systems.

Q:The mining industry may have gotten away with polluting our waters 20 to 30 years ago, but don’t they face stiffer penalties now?

A: Mining practices have improved, but are far from perfect. Unfortunately, two “loopholes” in the Clean Water Act have allowed mine developers to circumvent the purpose of this critical law, making it common industry practice over the last 30 years for mines to dam up the nearest river valley and treat wetlands and streams impounded by the dam as a toxic waste dump. According to the EPA, the hard rock mining industry is the single largest source of toxic waste and one of the most destructive industries in the country.

One recent example is the Kensington mine in southeast Alaska, which was recently allowed to completely drain a beautiful alpine lake in the Tongass National Forest and fill it with mining waste–killing all fish and destroying the aquatic habitat.

Q:In these difficult economic times, shouldn’t we be careful about stopping mining projects?

A: While discharging wastes into wetlands, streams and lakes may be convenient for mining companies, it is not a necessary way of doing business. By stopping mines from dumping their toxic wastes in our lakes, rivers, and wetlands, it’s possible to reduce some of the negative environmental impacts of hard rock mines without prohibiting all hard rock mining.

Controversial projects such as the proposed Pebble mine in Alaska, Montanore mine in Montana, PolyMet mine in northern Minnesota, Mt. Emmons mine in Colorado, Haile mine in South Carolina, and numerous existing mines in the West and Appalachia are relying on the Clean Water Act loopholes to cut costs and justify extensive environmental damage. What’s more, the public is generally on the hook for the clean-up of abandoned mines. It is estimated that there are a half million abandoned mines across the country and that taxpayers will have to pay $32 – $72 billion to clean up the sites.

Q: How can the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affect development of the Pebble mine?

A: Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA can veto permits if the agency determines the discharge will have “unacceptable adverse impacts on water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas.”

Right now, the EPA is taking public comment on their assessment of impacts from large-scale mining on Bristol Bay–which highlights the significant threats from a project like Pebble mine–and they need to hear from you by July 23rd. If we don’t speak up now, Pebble mine could devastate this wilderness paradise and the rich community of wildlife that calls it home.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2012/07/you-ask-we-answer-why-pebble-mine-is-a-bad-idea/feed/0EPA Warns Pebble Mine Would Harm Alaska’s Salmonhttp://blog.nwf.org/2012/05/epa-warns-pebble-mine-would-harm-alaskas-salmon/
http://blog.nwf.org/2012/05/epa-warns-pebble-mine-would-harm-alaskas-salmon/#commentsTue, 22 May 2012 16:52:28 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=58209Read more >]]>On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft of its long-awaited ecological risk assessment of large-scale mining in the pristine Nushagak River and Kvichak River watersheds of Alaska’s Bristol Bay. This 339-page scientific evaluation covers a lot of ground, but ultimately reminds us that when it comes to the environment, it’s all about habitat.

Bristol Bay supports the largest runs of wild sockeye salmon in the world, a historic complement of other wildlife species, and more than two dozen Alaska Native communities that have maintained a salmon-based culture for at least 4,000 years. According to EPA, the watershed is exceptional because of its high-quality, diverse and free-flowing aquatic habitats.

Bristol Bay also contains large deposits of copper, gold and other minerals which have attracted the interest of mining corporations. The Pebble Partnership has proposed the controversial Pebble mine, but there are other potential mining sites in the region, including several adjacent to the Pebble development. The Pebble mine, the first of this new generation, would be the largest open pit mine in North America and would churn out over a billion tons of mining waste.

After reviewing the data, EPA concluded that large-scale mining would have significant impacts on salmon and salmon habitat in the vicinity of the mines. EPA’s finding was hardly a surprise to anyone familiar with the dismal environmental track record of the hardrock mining industry or the richness and fragility of the Bristol Bay watershed. What was unexpected was how deftly EPA framed the debate.

The arguments about Pebble and other large mines tend to revolve around “what ifs.” What if one of the massive tailings dams collapsed and sent a tidal wave of toxic waste down the watershed? What if industry applied state-of-the-art technologies and avoided the problems seen in older mines?

EPA addressed these “what ifs” but first reminded us that there is a more fundamental question: even if there is no human or engineering failure, is it worth developing Pebble and other large mines if it means losing extensive areas of important aquatic habitat? According to the risk assessment, the construction and routine operations of one Pebble-like mine would destroy between 55 and 87 miles of streams and between 2,512 and 4,386 acres of wetlands. These are huge numbers and essentially represent the inevitable cost of developing large mines in a region laced by a system of prolific wetlands, streams and rivers.

So, is it worth degrading the sustainable salmon fishery, rich wildlife, and Native cultures of Bristol Bay in order to develop mines that will play out in decades? Not to me or approximately 80% of the residents of the watershed. Even if I assume that mining companies could do things like build tailings reservoirs that last forever, the unavoidable destruction of aquatic ecosystems due to construction and routine operations–in this unique region–is too great to justify.

My hat’s off to EPA for conducting this rigorous assessment. Now I urge the agency to use its discretion under the Clean Water Act and take the steps needed to protect the public’s interest in the waters, fish, wildlife and communities of Bristol Bay. At least in this instance, large-scale mining isn’t worth the tradeoff.

The theme for the Civics & Conservation Summit was “Local Food & Wild Salmon,” but its purpose went far beyond that.

During the training, delegates worked on talking to media; talking to elected officials; how to read a bill; and how to impact decisions leaders make about the environment. They also honed their public speaking skills through skits and group presentations.

The students had a chance to meet Governor Sean Parnell and honor AYEA’s Legislators of the Year (State Senators Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), Hollis French (D-Anchorage) and Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage)), but the most important aspect of the summit was the time student delegates spent advocating for some issues vital to the future of the state’s natural resources.

Some issues on AYEA’s docket, from AYEA Program Manager Megan McBride:

Senate Bill 3 – An Act providing for state funding for school lunch and breakfast. Alaska is one of just a few states that don’t provide any state funding to match federal funds. For several years, AYEA teens have been advocating for more local Alaskan food to be served in schools. Two years ago, AYEA advocated for the Farm to School Bill that facilitates locally grown products to be served in Alaskan schools. Given the tight budget school food is on, however, it’s been hard to make progress since that bill has passed.

Madeline Rafferty (Age 17, Fairbanks): “This bill is essential in providing healthier meals to students all across the state by incorporating locally grown and caught food in school lunches. Not only would this improve the quality of school lunches, but it would support the local businesses providing this food. It is well known that eating a healthy breakfast increases academic performance and doing so will raise test scores.”

House Bill 100 – The bill outlaws growing or cultivating genetically engineered fish in the state. GE salmon has been a topic at the federal level after a company submitted a request for a permit to grow and sell GE salmon in the US. Alaska’s federal delegation – Senators Murkowski (R) and Begich (D) and Representative Young (R)- have all sponsored or signed on to legislation to ban GE salmon in the US. Alaska’s state legislators are on the same page, and AYEA teens are behind them!

Hunter Doan, Youth Trainer (Age 15, Seward): “If one of these GMO fish were to escape in to the wild, it would be disastrous to the ecosystem. GMO fish are bred to grow faster and eat more than wild fish. Since they eat so much, they would eat all of the wild salmon’s food. If House Bill 100 passes, it will prevent big fish farming companies from coming in and taking the jobs of local commercial fisherman.”

Senate Bill 152 – The bill mandates legislative approval for mining operation that could affect water in or flowing into or over the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve. It is intended to slow down or stall the Pebble Mine project, and for good reason—Bristol Bay is Alaska’s richest commercial fishery and “one of America’s most spectacular places.” The region’s pure waters, healthy habitat and breathtaking wilderness setting generate millions of dollars for the local economy, attract trophy salmon and trout anglers from all over the world, and support the centuries-old subsistence lifestyle of Alaska Natives—all jeopardized by mining operations

Bill Sponsor Sen. French: “[I]t’s an important conversation starter. It’s important for them to know that they have people in the building who are willing to advance ideas that may not always get there. But you have to have the dialog, you have to have the debate, and so I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Senate Bill 27 – The bill would phase out the use, sale and manufacture of products containing toxic flame retardant chemicals (PBDEs, which are used in furniture and household appliances and may actually make fires more deadly). Though Alaska has very little chemical manufacturing in-state, these chemicals concentrate in the arctic through a process of bioaccumulation and Alaska ends up with disproportionately high amounts.

Bill sponsor Sen. Wielechowski: “They knew what they were talking about. They had done a lot of research […] They asked me some very pointed questions about it, which showed they really had been studying it.”

Rowan Heinemann (Age 17, Fairbanks) summed it up nicely: “We know the risks that PBDEs present, and now we have a chance to protect ourselves and future generations from these hazardous materials.”

Today’s industrial-strength hardrock mining involves the blasting, excavating, and crushing of many thousands of acres of land and the use of huge quantities of toxic chemicals such as cyanide and sulfuric acid–making it the single largest source of toxic waste and one of the most destructive industries in the country. The report finds:

Mining companies are dumping more than 180 million tonnes of hazardous mine waste each year into rivers, lakes, and oceans worldwide, threatening vital bodies of water with toxic heavy metals and other chemicals poisonous to humans and wildlife.

For too long, the mines that produce our gold, silver, copper, and uranium have been using our nation’s most pristine streams, lakes, and groundwater as dumping grounds for their toxic wastes. These are the waters from which we drink, in which our children swim, and which support our fish and wildlife.

In theory, the Clean Water Act should halt this destructive practice. Unfortunately, there are two “loopholes” in the regulations implementing the Clean Water Act that have allowed mine developers to circumvent the purpose of this critical law. A key recommendation from the “Troubled Waters” report states:

Two loopholes in the U.S. Clean Water Act, a law that was passed to protect water from industrial pollutants, allow mining companies to dump toxic mine waste untreated into rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands. Governments should close loopholes and create a regulatory environment that puts the health of our water and ecosystems over corporate profits by prohibiting this unnecessary practice.

Grizzlies in Bristol Bay, Alaska and in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness in Montana are at risk from proposed mining projects. Photo: USFWS.

Controversial projects such as the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska, PolyMet Mine in northern Minnesota, Mt. Emmons Mine in Colorado, and numerous existing mines in the West and Appalachia are relying on these loopholes to cut costs and justify extensive environmental damage. These proposed projects would transform some of our nation’s most pristine wildernesses into industrial mining districts and would destroy habitat for many threatened and endangered species.

The good news is, with a simple rule change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers can close these loopholes and stop Big Mining from using our waters as industrial waste dumps. Closing the loopholes would not prohibit hard rock mining but it would greatly reduce the negative environmental impacts from large mines.

National Wildlife Federation, along with Earthworks and other partners, is working to stop irresponsible mining practices which pollute the waters that sustain our communities, fish, and wildlife.